LDWF MODIFIES FISHING CLOSURE IN PORTIONS OF LOWER LAFOURCHE AND TERREBONNE PARISHES AND REOPENS TERRITORIAL SEAS SOUTH OF MARSH ISLAND

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following closure to recreational and commercial fishing in southern Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes and a reopening of the territorial seas south of Marsh Island to recreational and commercial fishing effective immediately today, May 28.

Lower Lafourche and Terrebonne Closure

The closure is in effect in the portion of state inside waters south of 29 degrees 30 minutes 00 seconds north latitude from the western shore of Bayou Lafourche westward to the eastern shore of Bayou Terrebonne and south to 29 degrees 21 minutes 00 seconds north latitude. This closure is effective immediately today, May 28, 2010 due to confirmed reports of oil.

Territorial Seas Reopening

The reopening includes state outside waters extending seaward of the inside/outside shrimp line from South Point of Marsh Island at 91 degrees 45 minutes 48 seconds west longitude westward to the eastern shore of Freshwater Bayou at 92 degrees 18 minutes 27 seconds west longitude. This area will open immediately today, May 28.

Precautionary closures of recreational and commercial fishing have been implemented based on the best information the Secretary of the Department receives from field biologists, staff and trajectory models from NOAA.

Once reports of oil are received, LDWF initiates a field survey and immediate seafood testing in the suspected areas. Closures are subsequently made with the intent to be as safe as possible, while not closing any fishing areas unnecessarily. As test results come back clearing the area, effected waters are then reopened.

LDWF continues to work closely with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to conduct coast-wide sampling of fish, crabs and shrimp, to ensure all seafood harvested from the Gulf is a safe, quality product.